A spokesperson for the Thai Defence Ministry stated that Myanmar's Navy opened fire on a boat group of Thai fishermen on Saturday. One fisherman drowned and 31 crew were detained from one of those boats.

In a press release, Thanatip Sawangsang stated that two of the 15 Thai fishing boats were shot at when they entered Myanmar's territorial water after traveling a distance of 4,57 nautical miles (7.4-10.6km) from their home port.

The incident saw three fishermen jump into the water. One of them drowned, while the Thai Navy rescued the other two, Thanatip reported.

Thanatip confirmed that one of the boats with 31 fishermen aboard was taken by the Myanmar navy during the encounter. He added that the Thai navy is in negotiations to secure the release of these men.

The ruling junta of Myanmar did not respond immediately to a request for comment made by telephone.

Nikorndej Balikura, a spokesperson for the Thai Foreign Ministry said that the ministry is also working with the authorities in Myanmar to secure the release of the fishermen and evaluate whether there have been any violations of international laws.

The Ranong Province in southern Thailand, which shares maritime borders with Myanmar, has urged Thai vessels to exercise caution when nearing the border.

Myanmar is in crisis since the military took power in 2021, overthrowing an elected government. They also sparked an armed revolt by putting down protests using lethal force.

The rebels have launched unprecedented attacks. They have taken control of the border areas, and made inroads to the formerly peaceful heartlands.

The Thai army played down reports in local media last week of increased tensions along the border with Myanmar, where there has been a long-standing dispute between the ethnic armed groups that control the area. They said the reports were exaggerated. (Reporting and editing by Helen Popper; Panu Wongchaum)

(source: Reuters)